Christian Mansell Announces Racing Comeback in Abu Dhabi GT3 Endurance Race

Australian driver Christian Mansell is set to make his competitive return at the 2026 Michelin 6 Hours of Abu Dhabi, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for Team Motopark. The comeback marks his first race since an abrupt, indefinite break from Formula 2 at the start of the 2025 season for personal reasons. Mansell's move to GT3 machinery signals a new chapter in his career after a promising run through the single-seater ranks.

Why it matters:

• Mansell's sudden exit from the F2 championship with Rodin Motorsport was a major surprise, given his strong momentum from a fifth-place finish in the 2024 Formula 3 season.
• His return provides a positive update on a driver who cited personal reasons for his break, sparking concern and speculation within the paddock.
• The move to GT3 represents a significant career shift from the single-seater ladder to the world of manufacturer-backed endurance racing, a path many successful drivers take.

The details:

• The Race: Mansell will compete in the six-hour endurance race at Yas Marina Circuit on January 9-10, 2026, which is the second round of the Middle East Trophy and features a 30-car GT3 field.
• The Team: He will drive for Team Motopark alongside Mexican driver Marcelo A Ramirez in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.
• Background: Prior to his break, Mansell was a rising star, finishing fifth in the 2024 FIA Formula 3 championship and scoring 10 points in three F2 appearances with Trident.
• The Buildup: Mansell hinted at his return on social media with posts about "coming back stronger" and later confirmed the Abu Dhabi drive, stating, "the comeback starts now."

What's next:

• All eyes will be on Mansell as he adapts to the vastly different demands of GT3 racing, including sharing the car and managing tire strategy over a six-hour endurance event.
• While this Abu Dhabi appearance is confirmed, it remains to be seen if this marks the beginning of a full-time campaign in GT racing for 2026 or a one-off return to competition.
• A strong performance could solidify his place in the competitive GT3 grid and open doors for a long-term career in endurance racing.